Anarchy [h.s]

Chapter 2 ✶ Pull the trigger

"I thought I almost died
in my dream again, fighting for my life
I couldn't breathe again."

Song of the chapter:
After Hours by The Weeknd

The buzzing of a tattoo gun echoing off the walls is my favorite sound in the whole world. It's loud enough to drown out every thought that tries to fight its way to the forefront of my mind. I can also look at the permanent ink I'm forcibly drilling into skin and pretend that everything's normal.

I can pretend that I got eight hours of sleep last night instead of three, I can pretend I made myself a healthy breakfast this morning instead of running out of the house with my hair on fire clutching a mug full of hot coffee.

Normal.

I focus on that unique buzzing instead of my morning, trying my best to ignore the man sitting in the corner of the room burning holes into the side of my face with his gaze.

Harry walked in here right at 1 p.m with a tall younger boy with green eyes and a British accent that matched Harry's.

Harry introduced the boy as his little brother and said his name was Ace.

Ace wanted a massive back tattoo of that same grim reaper riding a motorcycle that I saw on Harry's leather jacket last night. I made sure Ace knew that he would have to come in for several sessions because there was no fucking way I was gonna be able to finish this today but he said that was fine.

He's a nice kid, he's only 18 and he was super excited because he said this was his first tattoo.

"How's it lookin' up there?" Ace's voice drags me back into the moment.

He's face down on the tattoo chair and he's been here in this position for an hour, I've continuously asked if he needs a small break but he keeps refusing.

I just hope he's not trying to act tough.

"Uh, very unfinished but it's coming along." I respond truthfully.

"By the way, I like the new name of this place." He makes conversation while simultaneously complementing me.

"I liked the old name better." Harry murmurs from the corner.

I changed the name of this place from 'Ink shop' to 'Skeleton Key'.

I will admit the old name is cool but, it wasn't mine. I wanted this place to at least feel like it belonged to me.

"Ignore him." I don't know this Ace kid very well but I somehow feel his eye roll.

"Thank you, I just wanted something that felt more me, I don't know." I shrug, focusing on my hand that draws on permanent art.

"So Skeleton Key what's your name?" He sighs, probably feeling bored of staring at the checkered flooring. "I didn't get it when we came in."

I pause for a prolonged moment. "Iris, my name is Iris."